Chelsea may be regretting letting go of Tyler Dibling with the Southampton teenager tipped to be a ‘superstar’ following an impressive start to the season.
Dibling, 18, only made his senior debut a year ago but he’s now a key player in Southampton’s side as they bid to remain in the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder has appeared in every league game so far and though he’s scored just once, his performances have been catching the eye.
This was the case yet again on Sunday, when Liverpool visited St. Mary’s in a clash between top and bottom of the table.
Though the Reds emerged 3-2 victors, the Saints more than gave them a run for their money with Dibling playing a crucial part in both goals.
Analysing the game on Match of the Day 2, former Lioness captain Steph Houghton said: ‘They needed someone to grab the game for them and take them up the pitch and Tyler Dibling was certainly that.
‘I really do think they’ve unearthed a gem. To be able to pick up the ball in the middle and drive at Andy Robertson whose been great for so many seasons at Liverpool.
‘I love that he’s able to tease players in. He skipped past Robertson and Jones. He’s skipping past some of his own players to win the ball back.
‘I’ve been really impressed with him all season but to do it against Liverpool. He’s going to be such a good talent in the future.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy concurred, adding: ‘He’s a superstar, honestly.
‘So young as well, he’s got great composure, good presence. It’s just how long they can keep him.’
Southampton technically lost Dibling once already, when Chelsea managed to prize him away from the Saints academy in 2022 when he was just 16.
However, the England youth player struggled to settle at Cobham and after just two months the Blues allowed him to return to the South Coast.
How costly that decision will prove to be remains to be seen, but for now Dibling will just be hoping to get Southampton out of the relegation zone, having won just one of their first 12 games.
Russell Martin’s side are five points from safety and face a tricky test next when they visit Brighton on Friday night.